Actor Paul Scofield dies in Sussex

He had been diagnosed with leukaemia, said his agent, Rosalind Chatto.

Scofield was born in Hurstpierpoint, where his father was the village schoolmaster.

He was considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, winning an Oscar in 1966 for his portrayal of the Tudor statesman Sir Thomas More in the film of Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons.

He made his name on the London stage, playing many of the greatest roles in theatre and winning several Baftas.

Scofield was appointed a CBE in 1956 after an appearance in Peter Brook's Hamlet in Moscow.

But he twice rejected a knighthood - because he wanted to remain "plain Mister".

For full story see West Sussex Gazette March 26